4th Annual Sakatah Trail Family Bike Ride

a success in spite of hot weather

 Published August 3, 2006    

 The Elysian Enterprise

 by Jay Schneider, Editor LIFE/Enterprise

ELYSIAN - Nearly 100 degree temperatures Saturday did not interfere with the fun many bikers had during the 4th Annual Sakatah Trail Bike Ride, which is sponsored by the Southern Minnesota Lakes Region Association (SMLRA).

     The total travel miles between Madison Lake and Morristown is approximately 20 miles.

     The comments, as they were the previous three years, were all very positive towards the event and especially the trail itself, which has been quite busy over the course of the past few months.

     But probably never more busy than Saturday when dozens and dozens of riders took part in this family event. More than 100 from all over the state, with many from the Twin Cities and Rochester areas, took part in this year's ride.

     "It was still a good turnout," event organizer Chuck Jamerson said though the numbers were down a bit because of the weather. "Every comment was very good. Overall, everyone was happy with the ride."

     Jamerson said being this is the fourth ride, he has seen a number of the same people this year as he has in the past. And many plan to attend again next year.

     "This event is held to promote the area," said Jamerson about the bike ride which brought in riders from all over southern Minnesota and even some from out of the state, including a few from the Ragbrai race, which is held annually across the state of Iowa.

     "When people stop and thank the volunteers that makes us feel very good," Jamerson said. "Everything went according to plan. This is a way to get people to use the trail and let people see what our small towns are all about."

     Bikers could check in at any of the four cities along the route, starting on the west in Madison Lake and to the east in Morristown.

     Between the cities were 15 stopping points with dart boards giving the bike ride participants the chance to accumulate points (or win door prizes) by throwing the dart at the boards.

     Increments of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 were placed on the board, along with a spot worth a door prize.

     The individual or family with the highest score won a gift package worth more than $700.

     Included in this gift package, which was won by the Kirk and Jill Destestad family from Byron, were a new golf bag and clubs, insulated picnic items and a folding table, to name a few. They scored 290 points.

     There were four main check locations (one in Waterville, Elysian, Morristown and Madison Lake) where door prizes donated by dozens of local businesses, could be won and collected.

    Jamerson said when they first created this event, they tossed around the idea of having a Poker Run of sorts, but decided to make it more family-oriented so the dart boards were added.

     They decided the dart boards were the best for all and everyone seemed to enjoy the chance of winning door prizes and totaling their scores for the grand prize.

     Each participant, in addition to having a chance at winning prizes, also received a "2006 Sakatah Trail Ride" t-shirt.

     Riders said this trail and event was not only well run but it was a chance to spend some time together as a family.

     Next year's date has been scheduled for the last Saturday in July 2007 for the 5th Annual Sakatah Trail Bike Ride.

Reprinted with permission

For more photos of the bike ride, visit our community scrapbook.

To find out more about the Southern MN Lakes Region Association, click here.